Michigan Football: Grading the Wolverines win over Maryland

Special teams: A+

Michigan football made two huge plays on special teams and hopefully, the Wolverines can carry that into next week against the Buckeyes.

Specials teams have been a strength all year. Field goal kicking, punting, as well as both coverage units and the return games have all been really solid. But Saturday, Jay Harbaugh’s unit blocked a punt and returned a kickoff 79 yards for a score.

And the touchdown was all about scouting, execution, and speed. The coaches scouted the look and the players executed — namely Michael Barrett with a perfect pass to A.J. Henning who then went 79 yards for six.

Michigan has been sharp in all three phases this year which is a big reason why it is 10-1.

Coaching: A+

Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff did a great job this week. Not only did they keep their players focused on the task at hand, but the Wolverines also put a lot out there that Ohio State will need to think about.

Donovan Edwards is now going to have to be a major talking point for the Ohio State defensive staff. They will also have to concern themselves with J.J. McCarthy and now trick plays on special teams.

Josh Gattis also wasn’t stubborn with the running game and took to the air. That’s what was working and he was right to stick with it.

All season, Michigan has been good about sticking with what works. It sounds simple but some coordinators have a hard time doing it.

Whether Michigan can upset Ohio State is another matter, but I expect this coaching staff to put together one hell of a game plan for the Buckeyes.